So, you’ve decided to get a nose job, and now want to know how long it will take to heal.
Nose jobs are one of the most complex cosmetic surgeries you can get, and they take some time to recovery from fully.
Here we’ll talk about the recovery process after a nose job so you know what to expect, how long it will last, and what you can do to make it go as smoothly as possible.
Let’s begin with the most important tips for nose job recovery:
Table of Contents
Top 12 tips for nose job recovery
The following tips for nose job recovery are sourced from peer reviewed published literature by plastic surgeons. Please always consult the plastic surgeon who performed your rhinoplasty surgery: No one knows you, your surgery, and the related specifics of your medical history better than the surgeon who did your procedure.
- Sleep with your head elevated on two pillows for the first 7 days after your surgery.
- Apply crushed ice to treatment areas for the first 72 hours after your surgery. Do so without it making direct contact with your skin, and without applying pressure to your nose. Ice should be placed in a bag or inside of a very thin cloth, never placed directly on your skin. Ice is the best proactive way to reduce swelling after surgery.
- Start with a liquid diet for 1 day after surgery, before moving on to a soft diet of regular food, that ideally does not require excessive movement of your lips.
- Do not rub or blot your nose to remove blood. Bandages are in place, which you will change as needed, to collect the blood that drains. Bleeding is at its worst for the first 3-4 days after surgery.
- Do not blow your nose for four weeks after surgery.
- Try to avoid sneezing, but if you must, sneeze with your mouth open, and try your best to “sneeze through your nose.”
- Do not wash your hair in any other manner than “salon style.” Your spouse, a friend, or family member should assist you. This applies during the period you are wearing a nasal splint, which typically lasts 6-7 days after surgery.
- Avoid hitting your nose or getting bumped in the face for 6 weeks after surgery.
- Clean the edges of your nostrils and any stitches with a Q-tip soaked in hydrogen peroxide, approximately 4 times per day. Each time, after cleaning your nose, apply a thin coat of antibiotic ointment.
- Don’t wear glasses or let anything rest on your nose or face for 1 month after surgery.
- Shield and protect your incision lines from sun exposure for 12 months.
- Heavy bleeding needs immediate action: If your nose starts heavily bleeding bright red blood, requiring that you change your nasal pad every 30-40 minutes, inform your surgeon immediately. Sit up and apply pressure to the end of your nose until given further direction. You will typically be asked to come in and see your surgeon if excessive bleeding occurs.
Advice for a quick recovery after a nose job
When you first learn about nose jobs, the recovery process might seem daunting. For this reason, we’ve put together this list of suggestions to hasten your recovery.
Pay attention to your body
Only you will be aware of how you’re feeling; your plastic surgeon will be able to see how your rhinoplasty recuperation is progressing from the outside. If anything doesn’t seem right after surgery, pay attention to your body and talk to your doctor immediately.
Maintain an elevated posture
After a rhinoplasty, sleeping on your side is not only painful, but it may also delay your recovery by bringing on more bruising and swelling. Even more frightful, it may move your nose. You must elevate your head at night for six weeks after surgery to prevent this. One of the simplest methods to do this is to use a foam wedge or two or three cushions to support your head. Additionally effective is napping on a chair.
Use cold compresses
Using a cold compress during the first 72 hours following surgery may help minimize edema. Just be cautious not to put the compress on your nose directly. Apply it on your cheeks instead to avoid unintentionally moving any bones or cartilage.
Enjoy lots of rest
Even though it could be more difficult to fall asleep after surgery due to the congestion you might experience, getting enough rest is crucial to your recovery. Being well-rested for seven to eight hours each night allows your body to replenish the energy it requires to mend itself.
Continue to eat well
What does recuperating from a nose operation have to do with eating your vegetables? a lot, in fact. Consuming a healthy diet after surgery helps hasten your recovery by supplying your body with the resources it needs to recuperate.
Protein is a crucial component of blood, skin, muscle, and cartilage. Nuts, beef, eggs, yogurt, fish, and other foods high in protein can assist your body in repairing the harmed tissue in and around your nose.
Additionally, you should ensure that your food is rich in vitamins, particularly vitamins C and A. Dark, leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, which are often sources of vitamin A, may help you fight off infections following surgery. Collagen, the protein that holds your skin tissue together, regenerates with the help of vitamin C. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and citrus fruits are all excellent sources of vitamin C.
The recovery after a nose job doesn’t need to be difficult and stressful. Following the advice in this blog and the instructions from your surgeon can make your recovery as pleasant as possible so you can enjoy your results sooner.
Why people get nose jobs
Men and women both opt to get nose surgery, though the reasons for doing so vary. Although a nose operation is sometimes thought of as solely aesthetic, there might really be additional advantages to the process.
In certain instances, reshaping the nose may cure sinus difficulties and problems with a deviated septum in addition to helping breathing problems. If you have these issues, a board-certified plastic surgeon will be able to go into further depth with you about this.
Of course, nose surgery may aid in a wide range of cosmetic objectives as well. It may treat issues with nostril width and shape, bridge width, humps or depressions in the bridge, and deviated nasal tips in addition to correcting asymmetry and enhancing face balance and proportions.
References:
“Graduated Approach to Tip Projection [Rhinoplasty],” section Postoperative Care, by Drs. Rod J Rohrich, Ira L Savetsky, and Paul D Durand, April 2021
